Quigley starts as Derry target final

NA MAGHA’S Breandan Quigley retains his place in Ger Rogan’s starting XV for this weekend’s Kehoe Cup semi-final against Kildare after his goalscoring exploits off the bench in last weekend’s quarter-final victory over GMIT in Celtic Park.

Michael Wilson reports

Quigley is the only change from the Oak Leaf team that began last weekend’s thrilling 2-11 to 2-10 win with Kevin Hinphey dropping out for the game in Newbridge on Sunday (throw-in 2.00 pm). Wicklow and Meath compete in the second semi-final in Pairc Tailteann at the same time and while the competition does not feature highly at the top of Rogan’s ‘To Win List’, the Antrim man believes it has been excellent preparation for the forthcoming National League which begins with the visit of Wicklow to Celtic Park on February 24th.

“When you win a game, winning breeds success,” explained the Derry manager, “We are looking forward to the game on Sunday. It’s a good competition and it’s been good to us. The semi-final is another game to play so we’ll drive on and if we get to the final, we get to the final.”

Against GMIT, the performance of a youthful Derry full-back line was a major highlight for the Oak leaf management team with John McCloskey’s surging runs out of defence a key tactic.

Rogan’s second half introduction of Quigley and fellow goalscoring substitute Chris Convery was also instrumental, as was the movement of Kevin Hinphey into midfield, an area which Derry must control on Sunday if they are to progress to a first ever Kehoe Cup Final on February 10th.